point of departure

noun phrase

: a starting point especially in a discussion

Examples of point of departure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Think of conventional decorating advice as a point of departure, not a set of rules. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 23 June 2026 Wrangell Island lies at the mouth of the Stikine River, and the town is the point of departure for the river service to Telegraph Creek, 165 miles upstream. — Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 The strain is found primarily in Argentina, the ship’s point of departure. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 7 May 2026 This nihilistic perspective has been a ubiquitous point of departure for prestige television at least since the first season of Succession. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for point of departure

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of point of departure was in 1804

Rhymes for point of departure

See All Rhymes for point of departure

Browse Nearby Words

point of contention
point of departure
point of honor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Point of departure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20departure. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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